COVID-19: The forgotten cases of hidden exiles - 08/05/21

Highlights |
• | COVID-19 screening strategies for exiled persons must be planned in advance and include multiple actors, not only healthcare professionals. |
• | Dissemination of COVID-19 cases depends on pre-existing social and hygienic conditions, with little impact of the actual screening process. |
• | Efficacy is optimal when information on the screening objectives, including sanitary upgrading to reduce probability of transmission, is well understood. |
Abstract |
Purpose of the research |
We describe two interventions to screen for SARS-CoV-2 in two squats of exiled persons in France following the diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 cases.
Principal results |
In squat A, 50 (25%) persons were screened; 19 were found positive, and three accepted a transfer. In squat B, 65 (54%) persons were screened at three different times, and only two were found positive.
Major conclusions |
Discrepant outcomes may reflect different levels of sanitation, prevention, and acceptance of interventions. Refusal to be transferred to specific COVID-19 homes if tested positive underscores the importance of local sanitary solutions for all. Cross-curricular strategies addressed to exiled persons are essential means of providing medical and public health solutions designed to deter COVID-19 outbreaks in these populations.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : COVID-19, Infection, Homeless, Migrant
Plan
Vol 51 - N° 4
P. 387-390 - juin 2021 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.